Do Not Take Of It

This heading gives clear, instructive warning. It’s like those huge signs, with bright, bold, words, seen from a long way off, which say, Do Not Enter. I mean, this is so clear and bold, no seeing one has any excuse not to see it. Remember, this was the second huge warning that was plucked from the text. Do not eat or partake of produce from the Lord’s deceitful servants or stewards.

In plain language then, the warning is this. Do not take away anything, from the dishonest one.

We return to the dishonest steward who was unfaithful, disloyal and most untrustworthy in his actions and attitude. He has called every one of his master’s debtors, in quick succession and offers them a huge forgiveness plan on their debts. These debtors know their responsibility, know the transaction they made with the rich man and know that they owe some hefty debts. Believe you me, they also know about the rich man’s steward as well, for they must know that he was wasting the rich man’s assets.

However, out of this steward’s dishonest and unhealthy stewardship, they see the opportunity to be bribed. Is that bribery you ask? Of course it is, for are they not being bribed to engage in what is wrong, so that the briber will find unmerited ease and comfort? If a bribe is money or any other inducement that is offered to someone or given to them, to bribe that person into some action that will serve the giver’s cause, then the steward is bribing those debtors. He is bribing every single one of them and they are each taking the bribe.

The other day I was looking at an episode of a documentary entitled, Border Patrol, and there was a passenger, who offered an immigration officer money to let him go through the system quickly, because he was in a hurry. Of course those foolish actions did not pay off with that officer, who did not take the bribe. One can just imagine the consequences. The point being made is that even though a bribe can, and most likely will enhance your financial position, your plans or whatever else is dear and precious to you at the moment, whether in a big or small way, we need to be as bold as that officer, who did not take of the bribe. Do not take of any bribes.

Here is the third huge warning that has been plucked from the text.

Do not take any kind of bribes from the Lord’s despicable servants or stewards.

The Scriptures have much to teach, speak and warn on taking bribes. However, I bring these Bible verses, some well-known and others, perhaps not so well-known. Nevertheless, they all are clear on bribes.

Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds those who see and twists the words of the innocent. Exodus 23: 8 NIV

Do not pervert justice or show partiality. Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and twists the words of the innocent. Deuteronomy 16: 19 NIV

The wicked accept bribes in secret to pervert the course of justice. Proverbs 17: 23 NIV

The greedy bring ruin to their households, but the one who hates bribes will live. Proverbs 15: 27 NIV

That our Lord wishes us to be wise and serious about the sin of taking bribes or offering bribes, is a mercy in itself, don’t you agree? When we are told not to take of bribes. Is this not a treasure to hold and not let go of? Live not in the world’s folly concerning bribery of any kind, size, colour or shape. Listen to what we have been told. Are these not riches of wisdom to cherish and obey?

• A bribe blinds the eyes of the wise.

• A bribe twists and perverts justice.

• A bribe brings trouble to many, even households.

• A bribe is to be abhorred, for to hate bribes is to live.

• A bribe is never our Lord’s way; shun every bribe.

Tomorrow, we will return to the question posed earlier, concerning bribery in the parable Jesus told.